Caples Ringling Estate

2020 Six to Save

The Caples Estate was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 as part of the Caples Ringling Estates Historic District. It is significant for both its architecture and association with Ralph Caples, who was instrumental in bringing reliable railroad service to Sarasota and encouraging the Ringlings to relocate here. The property has been vacant and underutilized for several years. It is suffering from benign neglect. An adaptive re-use plan needs to be developed and funding sources need to be identified. New College Facilities Planning and Construction commissioned a professional report that analyzed the condition of the building in 2017. Action needed to be taken as quickly as possible to halt further deterioration.